Assessing Awareness and Actions Must Be Taken in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study on the General Population in Alahssa, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly referred to as a heart attack, is a leading global cause of mortality, necessitating immediate recognition and appropriate actions. This study aims to assess AMI awareness and response among the general population in Alahssa, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with surveys distributed via online platforms. Participants aged 18 years and older, residing in Alahssa, and providing informed consent were included.
Results: Among 406 participants, 74.1% had good knowledge levels. Notably, 216 (53.2%) recognized calling an ambulance as the initial response to AMI symptoms. The Internet (140, 28.9%) and healthcare professionals (113, 23.3%) were primary information sources, with "sudden pain or discomfort in arms or hands" (287, 27.8%) as the most recognized symptom. "Obesity" and "heart disease" (304, 12.3%) were the most common risk factors. Demographic variations in knowledge were observed.
Conclusion: This study highlights the need to enhance public awareness of AMI, particularly among specific demographic groups. Targeted educational campaigns can improve knowledge, promote appropriate actions, and ultimately enhance outcomes during AMI events in Alahssa, Saudi Arabia.
Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Research Ethics Committee of King Faisal University issued approval KFU-REC-2022-SEP–ETHICS1,329. Having reviewed the details submitted by the applicant regarding the abovenamed research project, the Research Ethics Committee at King Faisal University grants its ethical approval to the protocol. Projects may be subject to an audit or any other form of monitoring by the committee at any time. The committee may request a regular report on the progress of the project to ensure that researchers are committed to the highest ethical standards. Researchers are held accountable for the storage, retention, and security of original data obtained from projects. Any substantial alterations to the project or emerging events or matters that may affect the ethical acceptability of the project must be reported immediately to the committee via email (ialjreesh@kfu.edu.sa) or phone (0096615899773). Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
(Copyright © 2023, Almaqhawi et al.)